principal quantum number

noun Physics.

the nonnegative, integral quantum number that defines the stationary orbits in the Bohr model of the atom.

RELATED CONTENT

Quantum And Other Trending Words On Dictionary.com Read more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.

Principal vs. Principle Is the head of a school called a principal or a principle? These two words are frustratingly similar, leaving even the most experienced English speakers to second-guess which word means what. Today, we’ll discuss the distinct meanings between these easy-to-confuse terms and a little trick to help differentiate between your principals and your principles. What is a principal? A principal is “a chief or head, …

Nearby words

principal nursing officer, principal optic axis, principal parts, principal plane, principal point, principal quantum number, principal rafter, principal value, principalities, principality, principally

Origin of principal quantum number

First recorded in 1920–25

Also called total quantum number.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019